Posted 13.8.25

The Gallery hosts a wide range of free exhibitions – open daily. There is a permanent collection of over 4,000 pieces ranging from 18^th Century Ireland and European painting and sculpture, through to contemporary video installations. At the heart of the collection is a collection of Greek and Roman sculpture casts, brought to Cork in 1818 from the Vatican Museum in Rome.

Pack a picnic and stroll along by the River Lee and lose yourself in the peace and tranquillity of this lovely park in the City Centre. During summer months there is a Saturday morning Yoga class in the park as well as some outdoor cinema screenings and concerts.

You can also stroll across Daly’s Bridge known locally as “The Shakey Bridge”. It’s the only suspension bridge in Cork city and was constructed in 1926 and restored in 2020. The bridge brings you across to Sunday’s Well where you can see some lovely city residences. Cork Public Museum is also onsite.

Climb the 132 steps of Shandon Bell Tower, ring the bell and you can take in the panoramic 360-degree view of Cork City from 120ft. You’ll be sure to spot things you will recognise and some you’ll question. It’s a must when in Cork.

Stroll through the English Market while soaking up the atmosphere and listening to the local traders telling their tales. The Market is the set for the Irish Comedy “The Young Offenders”, fans will recognise many of the stalls in the markets and also many sites around the City in Opera Lane, The Shakey Bridge in Fitzgerald Park. It’s one of the best things to do in Cork on a rainy day, offering a cosy, authentic taste of the city under one roof.   

Visit The Nano Nagle Place and stroll around the walled gardens, heritage centre & design shop. There are many free lunchtime concerts running here. The centre is also home to the Good Day Deli open serving drinks and snacks.

Visit St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral built in the late 1700’s, a Gothic revival three spire cathedral steeped in history. Designed by William Burges, the Cathedral has many features including the high columns of the nave made of Bath stone. The walls are lined internally with Cork Red Marble and the stained glass windows illustrate scenes from the Old and New Testaments. The organ inside dates back to 1889, there is a cannonball dating from the siege of Cork in 1690 and many more artefacts to admire.

Sit back and gaze at the stars in Blackrock Observatory. There are free talks and events often happening here, make sure to keep an eye on their website. There is a lovely 8km flat walk you can do from here taking in the view of the Port of Cork in Blackrock and Rochestown.

The 16th century Elizabeth Fort was first built to defend Cork City, it was demolished and rebuilt in the 1620s which you can see today. The fort was built as a defensive structure is set on a hill offering stunning views across the City, including the Shandon Bells and Saint Fin Barr’s Cathedral.

Located just a short 5-minute walk from the English Market in The Grand Parade. Just cross over the Nano Nagle Footbridge and continue up Barrack Street. Elizabeth Fort is located right beside Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral.

The Lough Lake is a beautiful spot to kick a football about, read your book or just watch the world go by. There is a 1km loop which you can walk around and watch the swans and ducks swimming and enjoy nature. There is a kids’ playground onsite also. During the summer you will see some of the locals enjoying “Ceili at the Lough” in the evenings.

Itinerary for Free Things to do in Cork

Morning

Start your day in Cork with a visit to Fitzgerald's Park, a beautiful green oasis perfect for a morning stroll. You can admire the statues, the arboretum, and stroll across the Shakey Bridge. Afterwards, immerse yourself in local history at the Cork Public Museum, nestled within the park itself. Admission is free, and you can explore fascinating exhibits detailing Cork's rich past, from its origins to its industrial heritage. These are fantastic free places to visit in Cork to kick off your day.

Afternoon

Start the afternoon by grabbing lunch in the renowned English Market, watch the hustle and bustle of the vendors and shoppers before walking around discovering the diverse produce from fresh butchers and bakers to vendors selling hot sauces to suit all tastes. Afterwards, take a short walk to Nano Nagle Place. Here, you can enjoy the peaceful walled gardens and visit Nano Nagle's tomb, offering a serene escape and a glimpse into Cork's rich history.

Evening

As evening approaches, either catch a beautiful sunset at The Lough and immerse yourself in the serene waterside atmosphere, or check out the Blackrock Castle Observatory, they occasionally host free talks and events offering a unique astronomy experience, make sure to visit the website before arriving.  

Local Tips & Things to Know in Cork Before You Go

• Before you embark on your adventure and explore all the free places in Cork, remember these few tips:  
• Most museums are closed on Mondays, so plan your cultural visits accordingly.
• It's handy to have some cash at hand for market snacks.  
• If you're visiting in summer, keep an eye out for the lively Céilí Cois Locha at The Lough on Wednesday evenings, weather permitting.  
• Finally, as some free events are seasonal, always check individual websites for the latest details before your visit.